Muslim ritual and ceremonial spices

In Muslim cooking and custom, spices are a large part of everyday and festive food across Arabia, South Asia, Africa, Central Asia and Southeast Asia, within the rules of halal food.

Spices and the faith's history

Muslim merchants carried spices across the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea and the Silk Road for centuries and shaped the trade. Saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, black pepper and cumin are woven into the cooking of many Muslim communities.

Ramadan and Eid

During Ramadan, the fast is broken at sunset with dates and water, followed by a meal that often includes spiced soups, savouries and sweets. At Eid, families eat dishes such as biryani, sheer khurma, ma'amoul and spiced meat dishes, which differ by country.

Hospitality

Offering cardamom coffee or spiced tea is a sign of welcome in many Muslim households. Some Muslims use frankincense or oud as incense in the home. Customs differ greatly between regions.

Muslim on EveryMasala

The spices written up so far, best known first.

🇮🇷 Iran and 4 moreSaffronزعفران The dried crimson stigmas of the autumn-blooming saffron crocus.Stigma · Sharp and pungent · Bitter

🇮🇳 IndiaKewraकेवड़ा A fragrant essential oil distilled from the male flowers of the screwpine plant.Resin · Sweet and mellow · Floral and perfumed

🇵🇸 Palestine and 4 moreGreek sage A hairy Mediterranean shrub with pink flowers and edible fruit galls.Leaf · Herbal and green · Sweet and mellow

🇱🇧 Lebanon and 5 moreZa'atarزَعْتَر A Levantine blend of dried herbs, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt used in breads and dips.Blend · Earthy and deep · Citrus and bright

🇬🇷 Greece and 4 moreThyme The dried leaves of a Mediterranean mint-family herb, used to perfume stews and baths alike.Leaf · Earthy and deep · Warm and sweet-spiced

🇮🇳 India and 5 moreMustard seed Tiny seeds from Brassica plants that become a sharp condiment or cooking oil.Seed · Sharp and pungent · Hot and fiery

🇸🇩 Sudan and 5 moreTamarind The sweet and sour pulp of a tropical tree pod used in sauces and drinks.Fruit · Sweet and mellow · Sour and tart

🇮🇳 India and 1 moreIndian costusकुष्ठ (kuṣṭha) The dried root of a Himalayan thistle, used for centuries in perfumes and traditional remedies.Root · Hot and fiery · Sharp and pungent

🇮🇹 Italy and 2 moreCommon sage The gray-green leaves of a Mediterranean perennial used in European roasts and traditional remedies.Leaf · Herbal and green

🇹🇷 Turkey and 5 moreBay Laurelδάφνη The dried leaf of a Mediterranean evergreen, used to infuse slow-cooked dishes with herbal depth.Sharp and pungent · Bitter

🇵🇸 Palestine and 4 moreSyrian oreganoزَعْتَر The aromatic herb native to the Levant, essential for making za'atar.Warm and sweet-spiced · Herbal and green

🇮🇳 India and 5 moreMustard seed Tiny seeds from three Brassica plants that create pungent condiments and cooking oil.Seed · Hot and fiery · Sharp and pungent

Muslim: spices in ritual